ram and xp

i am upgrading my ram, should I get 2gig or 4 gigs....I have read that anything over 2gig with xp is a waste as there becomes some problems with xp and 3 gigs and over. where im going to be using dual channels, i figure 2 is better...

 

Depends on your needs, and habits. If you multitask alot and use bunch of memory intensive programs, like photoshop, then you will need that 4 gb on XP. Otherwise, 2 gb is more than enough ram on windows XP.

However, a benefit of 4 gb is the future prove aspects of it, if you ever decided to use some memory intensive program, or tasks, or move to Vista, you will see some benefit. So, If 4 gb is cheaper or around the cost of 2 gb around where you live, I would recommend picking up 4 Gb.

 

Dragonpet, that is incorrect. 32 bit operating systems can't recognize more than 3GB of RAM. Purchasing more than 2GB is a waste.

To the OP: unless you plan on upgrading to a 64 bit operating system, stick with 2GB.

 

I'm still on 512MB of RAM with Windows XP. Everything is still fast, mostly because I replaced Norton with NOD32. Unfortunately, I can't find another 512MB stick DDR-333 RAM anywhere (max capacity of 1GB over two 512MB sticks).

 

What laptop/PC do you have?

 

As an opinion I think 2GB should be just fine for XP.

 

Here is a link to 512MB sticks.

 

Yeah. 2 GB is the best bet for XP. 1 is standard, but 2 is best.

I think this is a bit of an exaggeration. I use Vista with 2 GB, and use Photoshop and the like extensively; everything runs butter smooth. 2 GB in XP will be MORE than enough for anything he might have to do.

 

It is not incorrect due to the OP's question was asking should he get 2 gb or 4 gb and not if his system will completely utilize all 4 GB down to every single byte. Thanks.

I guess I was exaggerating a bit, but I personally never did any of the memory intensive tasks, and only read about other people's experiences, and they say they needed the extra memory. Maybe photoshop wasn't a good example, a better one would be: 4 GB might be more useful if he is working/editing Video of a very large size. Sorry for the bad example.

 

For a x86 system, I'd say 2 GB of RAM is the sweetspot; XP and Vista.

 

2GB is great for XP. I wouldn't think you need more.

 

Memory sticks are so cheap now that maxing out your system wouldn't hurt.

 

I have a desktop. Also, the 2nd RAM slot in my HP Pavilion a255c is blocked by numerous cables.

 

OK here is a link to desktop RAM silly me thinking notebook RAM on a notebook forum. It might set you back $13. As far as cables go can't you just move aside or carefully disconnect then reconnect?